Founder

“After several years of working in the magazine, advertising and media industry, I had decided to venture away from the cosmopolitan town and city. Following a cursory open water scuba diving course on the East coast of India; my first dive was at the bottom of a pier that was covered with underwater debris and interesting enough sea-life, but my life changed while working at an Olive Ridley sanctuary at the Coromandel Coastal Conservation Trust, located in Gulf of Mannar. Helping out a baby Ridley take its first steps towards the big blue sea was such a rewarding experience and at the same time a reminder of how important it is to keep our beach side and oceans free from plastic and other pollutants. 

A brief marketing job stint at a scuba diving centre on the West coast of India and my first gig as a naturalist on an island near Goa, revealed how endangered our marine species were; mostly due to over fishing, plastic pollution and changing weather conditions. 

I quickly made the conscious decision to switch to bamboo toothbrushes, tooth powder and a wooden comb.

My next adventure was in the heart of the Nilgiris forest, where big cat rescues, especially related to snare traps or highway accidents were common. Having witnessed landslides caused due to encroachment, change in climatic conditions and several wildlife accidents, I came across the genuine efforts of the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Trust that worked closely with the forest department. 

The idea of Under The Mahua Tree came about while trying to spread awareness on the benefits of bamboo toothbrushes. This eco friendly online retail store brings to you every possible essential product that you would want for your home. All the products are either handmade or small batch produced making them one of a kind and free from toxins. A percentage from every purchase made online goes to rescue and conservation efforts in the Nilgiris.”– Roshna Chandran.